Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Mid-Century Modern Banana Shaped Sofa, Beech & Wool, Denmark, 1940s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Banana shaped Viggo Boesen style curved sofa made in Denmark in the 1940s. This sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beautiful round organic lines and iconic block feet nor...
Wool, Beech
Green Linen and Walnut Forster Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Forster sofa is a midcentury inspired sofa with a loose tufted seat, loose back cushions, and piped details. The sofa rests atop a simple, rounded wood base. The Lawson-Fenning...
Linen, Upholstery, Walnut
$1,234Sale Price|63% Off
Giovanni Offredi Leather Sofa by Saporiti Italia, Curved Design, 1970s
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This leather sofa comes in very good condition. The black leather is soft and supple and shows hardly any signs of wear. There are 2 dents in the leather on the back of the sofa, but...
Leather
Patricia Urquiola 'Trampoline' Outdoor Sofa in Burgundy for Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen size and color. Outdoor sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2020. Patricia Urquiola interprets the happiness of life outdoors with a collectio...
Steel
Florence Knoll - Vintage Sofa Knoll International, Mid-Century Modern 1954
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Vintage sofa by Florence Knoll, designed in 1954 for Knoll International – a true icon of modernist furniture and architectural elegance. With its clean lines, balanced proportions, ...
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1961 Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Kroehler, Chicago
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A rare and fully documented example of early 1960s American modernism, this Kroehler sofa carries an extraordinary provenance detail: the original purcha...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A possibly unique walnut and off-white fabric sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss, USA, 1960s. Provenance: Sofa custom ordered the apartment of Susan Schl...
Fabric, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Oasis Sofa in Navy Blue Velvet
Located in Dallas, TX
This iconic and very hard to find sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar was named the Oasis sofa. It debuted in the 1930s and became known as the Model 5200 sofa in the 1950s. It is supp...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vladimir Kagan "Zoe" Sofa, 2000s
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning and sophisticated serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather circa 2000s. This piece has been masterfully reupholstered: the front back and the bottom band fea...
Fabric
Grete Jalk Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa
By Grete Jalk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Grete Jalk Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 71.75 wide x 26.5 deep x 27.25 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 22 inches Good Vintage Condition ...
Upholstery, Teak
20th Century , Yellow Atlantis Three seats Sofa, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Atlantis sofa from the 1960s, produced in Czech Republic - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small...
Fabric
Brown Leather Sofa Karl Wittmann Atrium, Austria 1970
By Wittmann, Karl Wittmann, De Sede
Located in Vienna, AT
Brown leather bed- sofa Karl Wittmann‚ Atrium’ in original brown leather, Austria, circa 1970 Very well preserved convertible double-seat sofa by K...
Steel
Reupholstered Yugoslavian Mid-century Modern Teak Daybed
Located in Medina, OH
Yugoslavian Mid-century modern teak daybed refinished and reupholstered in a Crypton gray tweed from Greenhouse Fabrics. This piece is in perfect condition and is ready to be an addi...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Post Modern Curved L Shaped Cloud Sectional Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek & stunning L shaped sectional sofa with incredible design lines. This well built sofa is by Directional furniture, circa 1980s. It features the original fabric in a 3 separat...
Fabric
R Huber Mid Century Teak Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
R Huber Mid Century Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 79 wide x 36 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 24 inches Fair Vintage Condi...
Upholstery, Teak
Daybed sofa GS195 by Gianni Songia for Sormani 60s, 70s
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Padova, IT
Condition: Good condition with small signs of age and use especially on the feet The GS195 sofa, designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani in 1963, is a highly regarded Mid-Century Mode...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Platform Sofa, 1960s Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Raleigh, NC
This exceptional Adrian Pearsall platform sofa showcases the renowned mid-century modern designer's signature floating aesthetic with integrated walnut end tables elegantly positione...
Upholstery, Walnut
Anfibio Sofa + Bed Alessandro Becchi 1971 by Giovannetti Vintage Cognac Leather
By Giovanetti, Alessandro Becchi
Located in Munster, NRW
We are offering you the extremely rare opportunity to purchase an original vintage Anfibio sofa in cognac leather. It comes from first ownership, ...
Leather
$13,485Sale Price|30% Off
Sunset Rest Velvet Sofa by Damien Langlois-Meurinne, France, 2018
Located in Glasgow, GB
This velvet sofa by Damien Langlois-Meurinne for Invisible Collection, created in France in 2018, reflects a restrained modernist approach informed by mid-century French seating desi...
Upholstery, Velvet, Oak
1970s Danish Brown Leather 3-Seater Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
- good/very good condition with minor signs of use - sturdy and stable.
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Platform Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a sculptural walnut frame with a finished back, teal upholstered seat cushions in velour, and integrated marble side table. A striking example of Pearsall’s signature organ...
Marble
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sculpted Gondola Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sculpted Gondola Sofa
Leather, Walnut
Ekornes Stressless Mid Century Buckingham Leather Reclining Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ekornes Stressless Mid Century Buckingham Leather Reclining Sofa This sofa measures: 91.5 wide x 31.5 deep x 40.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 22.25 inche...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Bamboo Sofa, Made in Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s. It is made in bamboo. This sofa is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excellent original condition a...
Bamboo
Set of 2 Sofas with Fabric by Fede Cheti, Italy 1940s
By Fede Cheti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This set of two sofas was designed in Italy in the 1940s and 1950s. It is covered with fabric by Fede Cheti. The colourful fringes hide the wooden legs...
Fabric, Textile, Wood
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 3-seater re-upholstered sofa For Cassina
Located in The Hague, NL
If it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 3-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests cushions tha...
Fabric, Bouclé
New Linen Upholstery Three Seater Sofa Bamboo Sofa & Pair of Club Chairs MINT!
By McGuire, Ficks Reed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
New Linen Upholstery Three Seater Sofa Bamboo Sofa & Pair of Club Chairs MINT! sofa dimensions: 32" x 64" x 33" lounge chair dimensions: 32" x 27" x 33"
Upholstery, Cane, Rattan, Linen, Bamboo
Mid-Century Folding Sofa or Daybed, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Mid-century folding sofa or daybed, 1960's. Made in Czechoslovakia Made of fabric, wood Original condition.
Fabric, Wood
Chesterfield Sofa From Charak
Located in Hanover, MA
Original vintage three seater tufted chesterfield sofa in white Naughahyde with six cylindrical wooden legs. Ordered through Charak Modern, Boston circa 1960. Note our separate listing for the matching love seat...
Maralunga sofa in alcantara original fabric vico magistretti cassina
Located in Ghedi, IT
Iconico divano Maralunga 3 posti disegnato da Vico Magistretti per Cassina (marchio originale, completo di targhetta).Rivestimento in Alcantara ruggine di grande effetto, un colore c...
Velvet
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Rare First Edition ABCD Three-Seat Sofa, 1968
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
An exceptionally rare first-edition ABCD three-seat sofa (Model F260), designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. This highly sought-after early production example is distingui...
Fabric, Foam
$11,224 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 4, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 4 (1x large, 1x corner, 1x medium, 2x armrest): L 230-190cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Seating H 42cm Modula...
Foam
De Sede DS 600 Sofa Snake by Ueli Berger chocolate Leather - 21 Elements
By De Sede, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Munster, NRW
Legendary De Sede endless Sofa - the DS 600 in chocolate + supersoft leather. Originally designed in 1972 by Ueli Berger, Eleonore Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt. A Sofa...
Leather
De Sede DS-600 ‘Snake’ Sectional Sofa in Patinated Tan Leather by Ueli Berger
By De Sede, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS-600 ‘Snake’ Sectional Sofa in Patinated Tan Leather by Ueli Berger, Switzerland, 1972 An enduring icon of avant-garde furniture design, the DS-600 sectional sofa by Ueli ...
Metal
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa This sofa measures: 86.5 wide x 32.5 deep x 24.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 20.25 inches Go...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Josef Otmar Gondola Sofa
By Otmar, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Raleigh, NC
Exceptional mid-century modern gondola sofa by celebrated designer Josef Otmar, featuring his signature flowing lines and masterful woodworking. This stunning piece showcases the sc...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in luxurious 100% alpaca. Marked on the underside. Fast shipping worldwid...
Alpaca
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Sofa light blue or black
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color. Available in fabric or leather. Contemporary and comfortable lines for this sofa that was designed by Le Corbusier for his Paris...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Le Corbusier 5 Canapé Sofa in Black or Petrol for Cassina, Italy - New
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material and size. Comfortable, contemporary lines distinguish this sofa designed by Le Corbusier for his Paris apartment, where the original mode...
Metal
1960's California Studio Walnut Sofa Bench
By Sam Maloof
Located in Oakland, CA
1960’s California studio-craft walnut sofa hand carved of solid walnut with sculptural arms, fine joinery, slatted back, and two built-in tapered side tables. Raised on round tapered...
Walnut
$6,205Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Modular Leather Sofa In Blush Mid Century Model Petronio, 1970s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Vintage modular leather sofa in Blush Mid Century Model Petronio, 1970s Discover this beautiful three-piece sofa in blush / pink leather from the famous Italian brand "Poltrona Fra...
Leather
1970s 3-Seater Sofa in Black Leather, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good condition with minor signs of use - The sides parts were newly reupholstered in very similar black leather - Cleaned
Leather
Perfect patinated Le Bambole original leather sofa by Mario Bellini - B&B Italia
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Le Bambole Two Seat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Perfect patinated Cognac/Brown Leather Lounge Sofa with Sculptural Soft Form Designed in 1972, Le Bambole stands as one of t...
Leather
Tobia Scarpa Bastiano 2 seater sofa, leather and wood, 1968, Knoll
By Tobia Scarpa, Knoll
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Bastiano 2 seater sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa. Two piece available. Supporting structure in solid oak. Flying cushions with polyurethane bottom and top in feather on covered steel...
Leather, Oak
Mid Century Brazilian Sergio Rodriguez Style Cognac Leather Sofa
Located in Lutz, FL
1970’s Brazilian Modern style 3 seat sofa in Cognac leather and Oak frame. Styling is a nod to Sergio Rodriguez, Percival Lafer, Jean Gillon and Arne Norell, however maker is unknown...
Leather, Oak
Rare Leather sofa Designed by Tim Bates for Pieff, England, circa 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- UK, circa 1970s - marked by manufacturer - good original condition with patina - renovated and repaired pillows, down parts completely changed,see the pictures - one rubber part no...
Steel, Chrome
$160,000 / set
Rare Paul Evans Biscuit Tufted Cityscape Sofas, Signed
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional pair of Paul Evans biscuit tufted Cityscape sofas, signed and in near mint condition. Finding one is hard, but a pair in this pristine state is near impossible. These ...
Chrome
Very Rare Cognac-Colored Leather Sofa by Jacques Brule, 1963s
By Hans Kaufeld
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare sofa, designed by Jacques Brule and produced by Hans Kaufeld in Germany in 1963, is a remarkable example of mid-century modern design. The sofa features a distinctive ...
Steel, Chrome
Willo Perron Sausage Sofa - Mid-Century Modern Fabric Upholstery
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Willo Perron Sausage Sofa For Bd Barcelona The Sausage Sofa is BD’s latest addition by designer Willo Perron. First released in a limited edition in collaboration with Our Legacy W...
Fabric
Danish 1940's Fritz Hansen Leather Sofa with New Sheepskin Seat
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare Danish club sofa produced in Denmark likely, circa late 1930s to early 1940's by Fritz Hansen of Denmark. Legs made from solid beech. Comfortable and super solid with nice and s...
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
Maralunga Sofa Lounge Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy 1980s
Located in Wien, AT
The Maralunga sofa was designed by Vico Magistretti in the 1970s for Cassina and is certainly one of the most iconic sofas in Italian design. The backrests are equipped with a foldab...
Fabric
De Sede DS31 Sofa in Brown Leather, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beautiful dark brown leather sofa model DS31 designed and produced by De Sede. One of our personal favorites from De Sede. Well designed polished aluminum legs. The sofa has been ...
Leather
Eccentric Sofa with Geometric Carvings in Solid Oak and Light Beige Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, solid oak, fabric, Europe, 1960s This elegant yet eccentric sofa, crafted in Europe during the 1960s, embodies both flair and comfort. Its distinctive design showcases a uniqu...
Fabric, Oak
Tobia Scarpa for Knoll 'Bastiano' Sofa
Located in San Antonio, TX
Mid-Century Modern 'Bastiano' sofa by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll. This vintage three-seater sofa features a sturdy oak frame and upholstered in a beautiful turquoise fabric, Italy, 1960s...
Fabric, Oak
Rare Restored Campaign Sofa by John Wisner for Ficks Reed, circa 1954
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fabulous restored vintage Campaign style sofa from a difficult to find series by John Wisner for Ficks Reed. Exceptional rattan and hardwood construction with Cane back panels. Bra...
Brass
$4,529Sale Price|30% Off
Attributed Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Italian High Back Sofa, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Three-seater sofa attributed Gio Ponti, production in the early 1950s, with high backrest, the upholstery is in velvet but replacement is recommended, feet and structure in beech.
Velvet, Beech
Mario Bellini B&B 'Camaleonda' Lounge Sofa in cognac leather
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' Lounge sofa in original cognac leather, 1973 The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 1970...
Metal
Lara sofa Roberto Pamio and Renato Toso Stilwood 1958
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso
Located in Oirlo, LI
Stunning so-called ‘Lara’ sofa, designed by Roberto Pamio, Noti Massari, and Renato Toso and manufactured by Stilwood, Italy, 1958. This beautiful puzzle-shaped sofa has a striking ...
Fabric
1980s Modular Ganging ELYSÉE Sofa Unit Sectional by Steelcase
By Steelcase, Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Bensalem, PA
Great six piece Steelcase modular sectional sofa
Upholstery
Howard Keith “Diplomat” Sofa in Original Sereno Striped Upholstery, UK, 1970s
By Howard Keith
Located in amstelveen, NL
Rare oversized “Diplomat” sofa designed by John Home for Howard Keith Furniture, United Kingdom, 1970s. Retaining what is believed to be its original black and ivory “Sereno” strip...
Velvet